Universal Connector for a Fluid Mop

ABSTRACT

A universal connector for connecting a mop frame to a fluid source is provided. The universal connector includes an upper connector piece with a proximal end for connection to a mop housing and a distal end with a pair of pivot arms. A fluid distributor having a hollow nipple portion connects to the fluid source and has a pair of pivot plates for pivotal connection to the of upper connection piece for side to side pivot. Fluid distributor also has a pair of opposed elongated hollow arms for coupling to a mop frame. The end of the distributor arms is adapted to slip into a key slot in the mop frame and provide an axis to pivot the joint in an up and down direction. A fluid conduit passing through the upper connector piece from the fluid source and connected to the nipple portion of the distributor for distribution of fluid to the mop frame through the hollow distributor arms. Fabric mop pockets with opening to permit rotation of the mop frame about the distributor are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a fluid mop, and more particularly to a universal connector for connecting a mop frame to a fluid source in the mop housing.

Wet and dry mops have been widely used for cleaning floors. A type of wet mop is a steam mop, which works as a steaming device.

Steaming devices used to apply steam to household objects are well known. The uses of the devices vary widely, and may include the application of steam to drapes or other fabrics to ease wrinkles, and the application of steam to objects to assist in cleaning the objects.

Typical steam devices have a reservoir for storing water that is connected to an electrical water pump with an on/off switch. The exit from the electric water pump is connected to a steam boiler with a heating element to heat the water. The heated water generates steam, which may be directed towards its intended destination through a nozzle which controls the application of the steam. Variation of the shape and size of the nozzle allows for preferred distribution of generated steam to an object to be cleaned. The nozzles may be disconnectable from the steam generator to allow different nozzles to be utilized, based on the object to be steamed. The nozzle may be either closely coupled to the steam generator, or located at a distance from the steam generator, requiring tubing or other steam transfer structures to be interconnected between the steam generator and the discharge nozzle. Typically, these connections provide suitable limited steering capabilities.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a universal connector for connecting the mop frame to a fluid source for changing the angle between the housing and frame, to provide a full range of steering and that easily disconnects from the mop frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a universal connector for connecting a mop frame to a fluid source in a mop housing and having improved steering features is provided. The universal connector includes an upper connector piece connected to the mop housing at one end and having a pair of parallel pivot arms extending to the mop frame at the other end. The pivot arms are pivotally connected to a fluid distributor having a complimentary pair of pivot arms for pivotally connecting to the upper connector. The distributor has a pair of opposed elongated hollow arms for coupling to a mop frame and a hollow nipple portion for connecting to the fluid source. The end of the distributor arms are adapted to engage the mop frame and provide an axis to pivot the connector in an up and down direction. A flexible fluid conduit passes through the upper connector piece and is connected to the nipple portion of the fluid distributor for distribution of fluid to the mop frame through the hollow distributor arms.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a universal connector that easily connects and disconnects a mop frame to a fluid source.

Another object of the invention is to provide a connector for a mop that allows for turning over a mop frame for improved cleaning.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a universal connector that provides a full range of steering for mop frames.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.

The invention accordingly comprises a product possessing the features, properties, and the relation of components which will be exemplified in the product hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mop frame with cut-out installed on the frame attached having a universal connector and a fabric pocket having a pivot constructed and arranged in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the universal connector in the mop of FIG. 1 constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper connector piece of the universal connector of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are rear elevational views of the universal connector showing how the connector pivots to the right and left, respectively;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fluid distributor of the universal connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view in partial section of the fluid distributor of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial sectional views of mop frame showing the side arms of distributor engaged for use;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the distributor removed from the mop frame;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the universal connected mounted on mop frame and a mop housing in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mop frame with the universal connector and a fabric steam pocket having a pivot slit installed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of fabric steam pocket of FIG. 10 having a tab in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective new of a steam mop 10 having a housing 33 with a fabric steam pocket 46 attached to a steam frame 12 thereon. The specifics of fabric steam pocket 46 will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of universal connector 11 shown mounted on mop frame 12 in accordance with the invention. Here, universal connector 11 includes upper connector piece 13 having a mop housing or pipe end 13 a that connects to a mop housing 33 (see FIG. 9) and a pair of inner pivot plates 31 with pivot buttons 32 at the other end 13 b for pivotal connection to a fluid distributor 14 as shown in FIG. 3. Fluid distributor 14 includes a hollow nipple portion 17 and a pair of arms 18 that engages mop frame 12 as will be discussed in more detail below.

Mop frame 12 as shown is substantially rectangular in shape and includes two steam chambers 19 with a plurality of baffles 21 that are separated by a partition 22. In addition, mop frame 12 also has a pair of receiving slots 23 with a key hole 24 for receiving for engaging fluid distributor 14 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Mop frame 12 may be any convenient shape, such as oval or triangular so long as it has appropriate receiving slots 23 for receiving distributor 14.

Universal connector 11 rotates or pivots to the right as shown by arrow A and left as shown by arrow B around pivot buttons 32 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Referring now to FIG. 5, fluid distributor 14 includes two upwardly extending distributor plates 27 with holes 28 for aligning with pivot holes 32 of upper connector inner pivot plates 31 to provide the right and left pivot connection between upper connector piece 13 and fluid distributor 14. As shown in FIG. 6, fluid distributor 14 includes hollow nipple portion 17 for connecting to the fluid source. Hollow nipple portion 17 in turn connects to upper connector piece 13 and pipe end 13 a is connected to the fluid source of mop housing 33. Pivot arms 18 that fit into receiving slots 23 of mop frame 12 for connecting universal connector 11 to mop frame 12 for pivoting up and down are also hollow. Each arm 18 includes a fluid opening 18 a. Distributor arms 18 have two opposed flat surfaces 18 b and 18 c at their respective ends for coupling to mop frame 12. Fluid enters hollow nipple portion 17 and is transported through opening 18 a to mop frame 12.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B mop frame 12 has a connector opening 25 with a slot 24 on each side of openings 25 and a key hole opening 24 a. This provides for easy insertion and engagement of distributor arms 18 and universal connector 11. When engaged in key hole opening 24 a, distributor pivot arms 18 pivot up and down.

FIG. 8 shows fluid distributor 14 as it is withdrawn from opening 25 of mop frame 12. Here, when pivot arms 18 are aligned with slots 23, user can easily reconnect or disconnect universal connector 11 from mop frame 12.

FIG. 9 illustrates a steam mop 10 having a mop housing 33 with a water tank 34 and a boiler or steam generator 39. Housing 33 is connected to a universal connector 11 mounted for connecting to a mop frame 12. Water tank 34 with a water outlet 36 is connected to steam generator 39 via a water tubing 38. At the other end of water tubing 38 is a water inlet 37 in which water enters steam generator 39. When the water in steam generator 39 is converted to steam, steam exits steam generator 39 through steam outlet 41 via a steam tubing 43. At the other end of steam tubing 43 steam inlet 42 in which steam enters mop an upper connector piece 13 of universal connector 11. Steam mop frame 12 includes a front wall 12 a, a rear wall 12 b, a right side wall 12 c and a left side wall 12 d as shown in FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 1, fabric steam pocket 46 is configured to slip over frame 12. In this respect, it is formed of a first layer of fabric 46 a and an opposed second layer of fabric 46 b (not shown), each having a substantially rectangular shape with two opposed long edges 46 c and 46 d and two opposed short sides 46 e and 46 f. Long edge 46 c and two opposed short side 46 e and 46 f are stitched to form pocket 46. Accordingly, fabric steam pocket 46 is open on long edge 46 d. The fabric along the opening on long edge 46 d may be optionally closed with a hook and loop fastener, buttons or snaps. Here, steam pocket 46 is cut along a line 51 to form a slot 52 around the width of universal connector 11 on the first layer 46 a and opposed second layer 46 b. Slot 52 has a length a distance 51 a from rear edge 46 d to the pair of arms of fluid distributor 14. This allows for vertical rotation of housing 33 without bending the fabric of fabric steam pocket 46 and use both sides of steam pocket for cleaning without having to remove and re-install steam pocket 46.

FIG. 10 shows another steam pocket 47 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Here, fabric steam pocket 47 is configured to slip over frame 12 and is formed of a first layer of fabric 47 a and an opposed second layer of fabric 47 b (not shown). Each layer 47 a, 47 b has a rectangular shape with two opposed long edges 47 c and 47 d and two opposed short sides 47 e and 47 f. Long edge 47 c and two opposed short sides 47 e and 47 f are stitched to form pocket 47. Accordingly, fabric steam pocket 47 is open on long edge 47 d. The fabric along open edge 47 d may be optionally closed with a hook and loop fastener, buttons or snaps.

FIG. 11 shows steam pocket 47 with a pull tab 40 stitched to long edge 47 c opposed to slit 48 on long edge 47 d. Pull tab 49 may be sewn onto the fabric of steam pocket 47 by stitches 49 a. Pull tab 40 allows a user to remove steam pocket 47 from frame 12 merely by pulling on it. Tab 49 may be added to steam pocket 46 shown in FIG. 1.

In order to accommodate the width of universal connector 11 steam pocket 47 has a pivot slit 48 on first layer 47 a and opposed second layer 47 b. Slit 48 has a length 48 a from rear wall 12 b to the pair of arms of fluid distributor 14 to allow for vertical rotation without being restricted by fabric steam pocket 47. Slit 48 remains closed on the side of steam pocket facing the floor when in use. This allows user full use of both sides of steam pocket 47 for cleaning.

In the illustrated embodiments, steam pockets 46 and 47 are a cloth or towel. They may be formed of any suitable fabric such as cotton or a synthetic fabric, such as polyester or polyolefin fiber. Preferably, the fabric of pocket 46 and 47 is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber.

Universal connector 11 provides many advantages for ease of use because it easily connects and disconnects to a mop handle and a mop frame while providing a user with universal steering capability. The user has more control of the mop frame by the universal connection to clean whatever areas that need to be clean and allows use of both sides of steam frame 12 for cleaning. In addition, the mop frame may be rotated so that the user may use both sides of the mop frame to clean. In addition, the universal connector may attached to any variety of differently shaped mop frames.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above product without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention. 

1. A universal connector for a fluid mop, comprising: an upper connector piece with a proximal end for connection to a mop housing including a fluid source and a distal end with a pair of pivot arms; a fluid distributor having a hollow nipple portion for connecting to the fluid source and a pair of pivot plates for pivotal connection to the upper connector piece for side to side pivot and a pair of opposed elongated hollow distributor arms with openings at the ends thereof for coupling to a mop frame; the end of the distributor arms adapted to engage the mop frame selectively and provide an axis to pivot the connector in an up and down direction; and a fluid conduit passing through the upper connector piece from the fluid source and connected to the nipple portion of the distributor for distribution of fluid to the mop frame through the hollow distributor arms.
 2. The universal connector of claim 1, wherein the mop frame is substantially rectangular in shape.
 3. The universal connector of claim 1, wherein the mop frame is football shaped.
 4. The universal connector of claim 1, wherein the mop frame is substantially triangular in shape.
 5. A fabric mop pocket for a fluid mop, comprising a first fabric layer of a geometric shape and an opposed corresponding second layer, the first and second layers stitched along all edges except one unsecured edge to form an opening to allow the pocket to be fitted over a mop frame, wherein the first and second layers having an opening cut in the unsecured edge to allow for pivoting of a mop frame connector.
 6. The fabric mop pocket of claim 5, wherein the first and second layers are rectangular with one long side and two short sides secured, and the opening cut in the unsecured long side.
 7. The fabric mop pocket of claim 6, wherein the opening is a slit the distance between the edge of a mop frame and a pivot for a connector connecting the frame to a mop housing.
 8. The fabric mop pocket of claim 6, wherein the opening is a cut-out having a width the size of a connector for the mop frame and a length the distance from the edge of a mop frame to a pivot for the connector.
 9. The fabric mop pocket of claim 5, including a pull tab on the edge of the fabric mop pocket opposed to the unsecured edge to allow for detachment of the fabric mop pocket from the fluid mop frame.
 10. A steam mop, comprising: a mop housing having a water tank for storing water with a water outlet, a boiler with a water inlet and a steam outlet positioned therein; a user handle connected to the mop housing at a first end of the main body; a pump having an inlet connected to the water outlet of the water tank and a pump outlet connected to the boiler inlet; the pump operatively connected to the handle so that a movement of the handle relative to the main body activates the pump to pump water from the water container to the boiler for generation of steam; and the steam outlet at a second end of the housing; a steam frame having a side wall defining a geometric shape, and connected to the steam outlet by a universal connector; and the universal connector having an upper connection piece with a proximal end for connection to the steam outlet at the second end of the housing and having a pair of pivot arms connected thereto; a fluid distributor having a hollow nipple portion for connecting to the steam outlet and a pair of pivot plates for pivotal connection to the upper connector piece for side to side pivot and a pair of opposed elongated hollow distributor arms with opening at the ends thereof for coupling to the mop frame; the steam frame side wall including receiving slots for receiving and engaging the elongated hollow distributor arms to pivot the connector in an up and down direction; and a fluid conduit passing through the upper connector piece from the steam outlet and connected to the nipple portion of the distributor for distribution of steam to the steam frame through the ends of the elongated hollow distributor arms.
 11. The steam mop of claim 10, wherein the steam frame is substantially rectangular in shape with a front wall, an opposed rear wall, a right side wall and an opposed left side wall connecting the front wall and rear walls, and the receiving slots are located at the rear wall.
 12. The steam mope of claim 11, further including a plurality of baffles between the walls.
 13. The steam mop of claim 12, wherein the baffles extend between the front and rear walls.
 14. The steam mop of claim 11, wherein the mop frame is football shaped.
 15. The steam mop of claim 11, wherein the mop is substantially triangular in shape.
 16. The steam mop of claim 10, including a fabric mop pocket on the steam frame, the pocket including a first fabric layer of a geometric shape and an opposed corresponding second layer, the first and second layers stitched along all edges except one unsecured edge to form an opening to allow the pocket to be fitted over the mop frame, wherein the first and second layers have an opening cut in the unsecured edge to allow for pivoting of the mop frame connector.
 17. The steam mop of claim 16, wherein the first and second layers are rectangular with one long side and two short sides secured, and the opening cut in the unsecured long side.
 18. The steam mop of claim 17, wherein the opening is a slit the distance between the edge of a mop frame and a pivot for a connector connecting the frame to a mop housing.
 19. The steam mop of claim 17, wherein the opening is a cut-out having a width the size of a connector for the mop frame and a length the distance from the edge of a mop frame to a pivot for the connector.
 20. The steam mop of claim 16, including a pull tab on the edge of the fabric mop pocket opposed to the unsecured edge to allow for detachment of the fabric mop pocket from the fluid mop frame. 